Introduction to Permaculture: The BIG Picture, April 29-May 1

Beyond agriculture or architecture, but borrowing from both, permaculture is a comprehensive design tool that can be used to better own communities, gardens, and lives. By mimicking nature to heal broken systems (both ecological and social) permaculture provides a variety of approaches for positive change. In this introductory weekend, Graham Calder of P3 Permaculture will walk participants through the basics of permaculture philosophy and design.
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This introductory weekend is designed to equip participants with the confidence and ability to identify and overcome the design problems that surround us. The first day of the course will focus on the history, ethics, and principles of permaculture, as well as provide an introduction to its design methods. We will then use permaculture to explore solutions to the challenges we face in our homes and communities. Examples of permaculture projects from around the world will provide useful case studies. On day two we will put theory into practice: together we will go through the steps of implementing a permaculture design, from observation to the generation of appropriate design strategies.

The Deanery Project is a rural learning centre and demonstration site that provides hands-on learning and skill sharing opportunities designed to strengthen community and protect the environment.
Through learning about such topics as forest management, alternative energy, natural building, food sovereignty, healthy living, as well as the arts, we can improve the health of our land, waters, natural resources and communities for sustainable social and economic gain.

Born out of the desire to support local values and a traditional resource-use economy, The Deanery Project evolved as a natural response to a need to protect the social fabric of the community by saving an old summer camp from private development. The project now continues to reconfigure itself in interesting ways. We have diverse partnerships with schools, all levels of government and environmental organizations including the Ecology Action Centre, Clean Foundation and Efficiency NS.

The Deanery Project is uniquely situated on ocean-front land within the vast interconnected protected wilderness areas of Ship Harbour Long Lake, Tangier Grand, Clam Harbour Provincial Park, and the Nature Trust’s 100 Wild Islands. If ecological design inspires you, we invite you to collaborate with us on the design and development of a new interpretative center that will welcome visitors and provide an introduction to the Deanery Project and to the Ship Harbour area.